Chile, Argentina and their costal waters are home to many interesting and unusual animal and plant species. These two countries encompass an exciting and colourful land that contains almost every landscape and climate imaginable - from lush rainforests to harsh and arid deserts to the pristine ice fields and lakes of Patagonia. This wide range of climates and the diverse geography of the region make it a haven for those travellers that have a special interest in the native flora and fauna. Those who have a more casual interest in the animal and plant kingdoms will still find plenty to marvel at.

Some of the wildlife highlights and the must-sees of the region are as follows:

the Right Whale - whale spotting trips can be arranged from May to November in the south Atlantic. A truly impressive sight when one of these giant whales surfaces alongside your boat.

the Alerce - these enormous trees can live up to 4000 years making them one of the worlds longest living trees, or any life form for that matter.

the Camelid family - llamas, alpacas, guanacos and the endangered vicu